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Delicious Cotton Candy Cookies

cotton candy cookies - featured image

These cotton candy cookies capture the nostalgic sweetness of carnival cotton candy in a soft, chewy cookie with lightly crisp edges and a playful pink hue. Perfect for celebrations or a whimsical treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup finely crushed cotton candy (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: a pinch of pink or pastel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the finely crushed cotton candy, being careful not to melt it.
  7. If desired, add a drop or two of food coloring and swirl through the dough.
  8. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  10. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Crush cotton candy gently to prevent melting. Optional chilling of dough for 15-30 minutes helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thicker and chewier. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. A pinch of sea salt on top before baking enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cotton candy cookies, nostalgic cookies, soft chewy cookies, carnival cookies, easy cookie recipe, sweet treats